Events

Our events Calendar

Think Tank discussions in the Council Chamber of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ).

Assistant Botanist, Janelle Morris, showing Museum plant specimens to UWI colleagues.

International Day For Biological Diversity May 22, 2026

In recognition of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) in collaboration with The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona explored this year’s theme “Acting Locally For Global Impact” by hosting a Think Tank Meeting. 

The Think Tank entitled “Exploring Natural Heritage and Climate Change” included stimulating discussions, tours of the Zoological and Botanical Collections, and presentations from esteemed climate scientist and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, UWI, Professor Michael Taylor, ethnobotanist Professor Ina Vandebroek, representatives of the Climate Studies Group Mona (CSGM) and the NHMJ research team. The discussions focused on the impact of elevated temperatures and humidity on museum specimens, staff, and visitors, alongside infrastructure strategies to mitigate these climate challenges. The impact of climate-induced drought conditions on local farmers and their produce was also a point of interest. The event was coordinated by the Jamaica CHM department (Dr. Suzanne Davis, Senior Research Officer – Jamaica Clearing-House Mechanism and Ms. Denielle Boothe, Research Officer – Jamaica Clearing-House Mechanism).

From the discussions, the potential for collaborations emerged that pointed to possible benefits for NHMJ researchers and curators, UWI faculty and students.

Earth Day

April 22, 2026

Post Hurricane Melissa, students and teachers in western parishes have had to navigate damaged landscapes and food insecurity concerns. To address this problem, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) supported recovery and environmental resilience through the setting up of climate resilient gardens. The Climate Resilient School Gardens Initiative in Western Jamaica was done to commemorate Earth Day 2026 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” and was made possible through partnership with: The American Friends of Jamaica, Tourism Product Development Company, TransJam Highways, Jamaica 4-H Clubs (St. James), Rural Agricultural Development Agency (St. James), Trees That Feed Foundation, Public Garden and Zoo Branch, Forestry Department, Birdlife Jamaica, Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, Birds Caribbean and Super Valu Group of Companies.

A total of five schools were engaged in planting trees of different varieties. These schools included: Niagara Primary, Garlands Primary, Caribbean Christian School for the Deaf, Herbert Morrison Technical High School and Montego Bay High School. Each school received eleven fruit tree seedlings, ten herbs, ten medicinal plants and native and pollinator-friendly species. Additionally, schools were presented with garden infrastructure and a resource kit to assist with plant care and monitoring. Our celebration of Earth Day highlighted the power of community and youth involvement in conservation activities.

Assistant Education Outreach Officer, Kareen Parks-Swaby, presenting Montego Bay High School students with a Climate Resilience Garden resource kit.

Students from the Herbert Morrison Technical High School showing seedlings they have received.